Coveted rookie free agent Jimmy Vesey signs with New York Rangers
Rookie free agent Jimmy Vesey signed with the New York Rangers on Friday afternoon, finally put a merciful end to "Vesey Watch" and months of speculation about where the 23-year old player would start his NHL career.
The young forward joins the Rangers on an entry-level contract, presumably chock full of performance-based bonuses, and he is expected to slot into their rotation immediately starting next season.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with free agent forward Jimmy Vesey. #JVtoNYR pic.twitter.com/ZlMEKTtRII
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 19, 2016
Though he has no NHL experience, Vesey was considered a free agent prize because of his youth, upside and inexpensiveness. Several NHL teams vied heavily for the services of the 2016 Hobey Baker Award winner, including the Blackhawks, Bruins, Devils, Islanders, Maple Leafs, Red Wings and Sabres, with several different teams being considered frontrunners at one point or another.
A third-round pick in 2012 NHL Draft, Vesey was property of the Nashville Predators until June, when he told them he did not plan on signing in Nashville. The team then traded his rights to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a third-round draft pick. The deal gave Buffalo an exclusive extended window to work out a contract with the left winger, but Vesey maintained his desire to become an unrestricted free agent and pick his own destination in August. Under the new CBA, players can become unrestricted free agents if they don't sign with a team for four years after their draft date.
?????? Congrats and welcome @19Vesey! #JVtoNYR https://t.co/bCmHFlHvhg
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) August 19, 2016
Hey @NYRangers fans welcome @19Vesey to the big apple !!!# letsgorangers
— Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) August 19, 2016
Vesey to New York ends months of speculation for the promising player, and reunites him with childhood friend Kevin Hayes, the 24-year-old winger who took a similar route to the NHL. Hayes was drafted in the first round by the Blackhawks in 2010, but didn't sign a professional contract until agreeing to the Rangers in 2014.
Welcome to the @NYRangers @19Vesey. Childhood teammates to playing at MSG. Fans get used 2 this saying #thatwasvesey pic.twitter.com/eM2gKKGmC9
— Kevin Hayes (@KevinPHayes12) August 19, 2016
The Rangers' ability to lure young players like Vesey and Hayes in free agency certainly helps to ease the blow of the high draft picks the team surrendered through deadline deals over the past few years as they've pushed for a Cup run. Hayes has already proven to be a fine player. And while the jury is still out on Vesey as a pro, there's very little risk to adding young players with potential on short-term, entry-level deals outside of the draft.
